RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - Police in Rio de Janeiro say at least six people have been killed during shootouts between officers and suspected drug gang members.

Rio police are carrying out operations in several slums, hunting for those responsible for the weekend shooting death of an officer.

A police spokesman says the six killed Tuesday were suspected drug gang members. Two other suspects were shot and two police were also wounded in the clashes.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity, saying he wasn't yet authorized to discuss the details of the police operations.

Since 2008, police in Rio have been entering slums long held by drug gangs and setting up a permanent presence. Police say it's a key strategy for securing the city ahead of this year's World Cup and the 2016 Olympics.